Health
Benefits of Garlic
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| Garlic |
Indian curries are incomplete without
garlic – a simple ingredient with packed health benefits. It is very strong and
bitter but adds an unbelievable flavour to the cuisine. Any description of
garlic is incomplete without mentioning its medicinal values. This miracle herb
has been used since time immemorial as a medicine to prevent or treat various
diseases and conditions.
Garlic has a variety of
potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic
pungent odour. Allicin, the vital compound among them, is known to have great
anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. The benefits
of allicin can be best garnered when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and
let sit for some time.
Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium.
Allicin, along with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. found in them
also have an effect on the circulatory, digestive and immunological systems of
our body and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.
Remedy for respiratory problems
Daily use of garlic might
reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in
treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper
respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like
asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine. Its
ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.
Protect heart
Garlic protects our heart
against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This
cardio-protective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the
arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and
may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals.
The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic
also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development
of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of
ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.
Improve iron metabolism
Ferroportin is a protein which helps in iron absorption
and release. Diallyl sulphides in garlic increase production of ferroportin and
help improve iron metabolism.
Garlic prevents and treats colds.
Packed with antioxidants, your immune system could benefit if you
give it a constant boost of
powerful garlic in daily recipes. If a cold does sneak by, try sipping garlic tea: steep chopped or minced garlic in hot water for several minutes,
then strain and drink. You can add a bit of honey or ginger to improve the
taste.
Control your weight with garlic.
Garlic could help you control your weight,
according to nutritionist Cynthia Sass, who cites a study that showed mice
eating a garlic-rich diet reduced their weight and fat stores. Try to cook with
garlic daily for tasty and waist-friendly meals.
Remove a splinter with garlic.
Placing a slice of garlic over the sliver and
covering it with a bandage or duct tape has been a folk cure for years. As
natural remedies gain in popularity.
